7 Principles at Work in the Constitution

Name:______Period:______

7 Principles at Work in the Constitution

Principle / Symbol / Description / Examples in Constitution
Popular Sovereignty / Ultimate power and final authority rests with the people / The Preamble begins with “We the people” and ______specifically gives all powers not delegated to nation to the people (and states).
Republicanism / / The people exercise their power by electing representatives to serve in government and make decisions on their behalf. The people delegate their power to representatives through election process. / ______in which the people elect representatives and the President who they trust and delegate the responsibility of making decisions that are best for the nation.
Federalism / / Power is divided between the ______and ______governments. Even though the FEDERAL government has authority over the states, the states have powers as well. / Article IV gives specific powers to the States; Article V requires ¾ of the states to approve any changes to the Constitution made by 2/3 of Congress; the 10th Amendment gives all reserved powers to the states (and people).
Separation of Powers / / 3 branches of government each have different jobs: The Legislative Branch ______the law; the Executive Branch ______and ______the laws, and the Judicial Branch ______and ______the laws. / Articles I, II, and III list the powers given to the three branches of government.
Principle / Symbol / Description / Examples in Constitution
Checks and Balances / Each branch of government has controls or “checks” over the other two to make sure no one branch of government rules over the others / Articles I, II, and III list the various checks each branch has – For example…Congress can make a law, but the President can veto it, and then Congress can ______his veto. The House can impeach the President; the Senate can try the President; the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court rules over the trial. Congress can pass a law…but the Supreme Court can rule it ______, but the President can choose not to enforce their decision.
Limited Government / / The power of the government is limited by the rule of law or the ______. Government is not all-powerful. / The Constitution lists every power given to the government; if it’s not there, the government does ______have that power.
Individual Rights / / Personal freedoms, protections, and equality under the LAW are guaranteed by the ______and the ______. / The Bill of Rights specifically lists what rights government must give everyone including some not listed.